Evolution
In scientific terms, evolution is a biological theory that explains how different types of living organisms have
developed from preexisting forms through modifications across successive generations. It is a cornerstone of
modern biology, emphasizing that all living things are related by common ancestry. Evolution involves
processes such as natural selection, where individuals with advantageous traits have better survival and
reproduction rates, leading to gradual changes in species over time. This theory also encompasses the study of
evolutionary history and the mechanisms driving these changes, making it a fundamental concept for
understanding the diversity and complexity of life on Earth.
The theory of evolution by natural selection was proposed by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace.
Darwin, an English naturalist, formulated the theory in private between 1837 and 1839 after his voyage on the
HMS Beagle, but it was not publicly expressed until the publication of On the Origin of Species in 1859.
Wallace, a British naturalist, independently conceived the theory, and both scientists presented their ideas
jointly in 1858. The theory posits that species with advantageous adaptations are more likely to survive and
reproduce, thereby increasing the prevalence of those traits over generations.
Natural selection is a process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and
reproduce more successfully than others. It operates through variations in the genotype, which are inherited
from parents. These variations can affect an organism's survival and reproduction. Beneficial variations increase
in frequency over generations, while less advantageous ones diminish. This process leads to the adaptation of
species to their environments and is a key mechanism of evolution. Natural selection can result from differences
in survival, fertility, development rate, or mating success, ultimately affecting the number of offspring an
organism produces.
The study of fossils is crucial for understanding evolution as it provides a historical record of life on Earth.
Fossils document the progression of life forms over millions of years, showing how species have changed and
adapted to their environments. By examining the fossil record, scientists can trace the evolutionary history of
specific groups, identifying morphological changes and adaptations that have occurred over time. This helps in
understanding the mechanisms of natural selection and adaptation. Additionally, fossils help date geological
strata, providing context for the timing of evolutionary events and offering insights into past climates and
environments.
We are a product of Evolution. Just like the plants that provide us with food and materials, the microorganisms
that keep us healthy or make us ill, and the forests and plankton that produce our oxygen. By understanding
evolution, we can begin to understand our place in the world, and address major challenges such as:
Tackling the spread of infectious diseases
Feeding the growing planet
Predicting organism responses to environmental change
Protecting natural resources
But evolution is still a subject where much remains unknown, where puzzles and problems are many, and where
new approaches and new technologies are needed to unlock hidden mysteries. Oxford researchers are pushing
back the boundaries of knowledge in many ways to uncover these mysteries.
Evolution requires inherited variation, so a key area of Oxford research is into studying the molecule of
inheritance - DNA - to find all the genetic differences between and within species. These differences in DNA
sequence cause changes in how cells and individuals behave, or how embryos develop. Oxford researchers are
studying these links between ‘genotype’ and ‘phenotype’ across the Kingdoms, in organisms such as birds and
bacteria, moths and mammals, plants and protists, tardigrades and tunicates, fish, flies and flatworms.
Organisms do not live in isolation. Oxford researchers are also studying the evolutionary consequences of
interactions between and within species, both in the wild and using experimental evolution in the laboratory.
Find out more about the work happening in this Section through our publications and recent news.
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